Thanks to AI-Augmentation tools, software development is progressing faster than ever.
At the start of the twenty-first century, software engineer Marc Andressen made an apt observation: "Software is eating the world." But in 2022, as we begin this century's third decade, a new catalyst has emerged to revolutionize the tech world: Artificial Intelligence.
Software is still eating the world, sure. But now AI is eating software.
What is AI-Augmentation Software Development?
Already, AI has altered just about every level of the software industry—from the functionality of applications to their evolution, development, and sale. But the most cutting-edge AI application in this sector is AI-augmented software development. Defined as a system of developmental tools and platforms built with AI functionality, AI-augmented software development allows developers to create apps better, faster, and more reliably than they otherwise could through traditional "hand" coding.
Among its many advantages, AI-augmented software development systems can perform the grunt work of writing out code, make accurate predictions regarding code generation, and even suggest code frameworks. In many ways, AI-driven tools are the future of software development. Here are the five most significant ways AI will alter software development:
1. AI-Enabled Citizen Developers
One of the most significant aspects of AI is that it allows less technically-inclined people to create and upgrade applications independently. So as skilled developers benefit from AI, so does the general public. Opening up the world of software development to everyone has allowed for a generational rise of innovation, propelling software productivity to previously unimaginable reaches.
Writing software code is an extraordinarily nuanced and meticulous endeavor, requiring an educated professional with honed creativity and attention to detail to create any new, complex piece of software. Right now, AI can't handle code generation on its own. However, AI systems can “learn” torrents of data patterns and then generate code suggestions, layout patterns, fill in decision trees, and predict future directions based on those recognized patterns. This way, even non-educated novices can work in tandem with AI systems to create effective software code.
2. The AI Data Explosion
Now that AI-augmentation has made writing software more accessible than ever before, data and big business have entered a collision path. Most applications developed with AI-assisted tools are designed to mine, manipulate, and use data for competitive advantage. Inevitably, this just makes it easier for individuals to access all that data. A grim side-effect of such a data explosion means data mining is expected to grow at a parabolic rate.
3. Security Concerns Surrounding AI-Augmentation
At this point, the security concerns surrounding AI-augmented software are pretty evident. And as our software infrastructure becomes more and more intricate, security holes abound. Obviously, AI isn’t near sophisticated enough to give the average layperson power to launch any kind of major cyberattack, but security must remain on high alert. It’s important to ensure all AI-augmented platforms that you implement come equipped with built-in guardrails to block cyberattacks from outside developers.
4. AI Building AI
If you’re still grappling with the concept of a “meta-verse”, you might want to sit down before you read this next part. Because pretty soon, AI-augmented platforms will have the ability to develop AI of their own.
Yes, that’s right: someday AI will build more AI.
This concept may seem dystopic. But don’t worry—this kind of self-referential development is sure to fuel exponential tech growth, allowing for faster and more advanced software-building mirrored by advanced security measures. It is difficult to imagine how this stage of AI-augmentation might steer humanity’s future. But as long as human safety is a top priority, future AI should be beneficial for all.
5. AI and the Democratization of Tech
Last but certainly not least, one of the greatest effects that AI-augmented software will have on the world is the overall democratization of technology. Through cloud computing, even the smallest startup companies are able to rent data centers and compete in large marketplaces. Equivalently, adopting AI-augmented software platforms let small businesses build out a large, competitive infrastructure.
Staying up-to-date in the software industry is a full-time job. And integrating software with AI can seem daunting. That’s why many companies turn to business partners like KitelyTech, INC. for assistance. At KitelyTech, INC., we work with companies to develop and implement new software solutions. Call us at (800) 274 2908 to discuss your business's software needs and find out how we can help.
